A recent passenger survey conducted by Transport Focus revealed that bus passengers across England experience a wide variation in service, with many feeling “let down” by their experiences. The survey, which asked people to rate 35,000 bus journeys across 34 local authorities, showed that while 80% of passengers were satisfied overall, some areas scored much lower.
Some of the key areas that received low scores from passengers included punctuality and waiting times. The East Riding of Yorkshire and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole were among the top areas with 90% satisfaction, while West Yorkshire received a rating of 73% satisfaction.
The survey results serve as a benchmark study of passenger satisfaction, with ratings given for punctuality, journey times, the bus driver, and value for money. The BBC spoke to bus users in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, who shared their frustrations with the service, including constant delays and buses not showing up.
Despite significant investments in buses in recent years, many areas have experienced cuts to services, leading to a disconnect for some passengers. The National Bus Strategy, launched in 2021 and nicknamed “Bus Back Better,” aimed to improve services with simpler fares, new routes, and cleaner buses. However, many passengers still feel let down by the current state of bus services.
Transport Focus director David Sidebottom emphasized the importance of government, bus operators, and local authorities working together to improve reliability, journey times, and value for money fares as outlined in the national bus strategy. Passengers who have been affected by cuts or struggles with their bus service are encouraged to share their experiences with the BBC.
As the landscape of bus services continues to evolve, it is crucial for stakeholders to address the concerns of passengers and work towards a more efficient and reliable bus network for all.
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